Two struggling teams are set to face off in Spain’s top-flight on Friday evening as Osasuna hosts Rayo Vallecano at Estadio El Sadar.
Match Preview
Osasuna, currently occupying the 14th spot in La Liga, has faced a difficult 2023-24 campaign so far. With four wins, four draws, and eight losses from 16 league matches, they’ve accumulated 16 points, failing to register a win in their last six league fixtures.
Their last victory came on October 20 against Granada, followed by three losses and three draws in their recent run.
Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano sits in 10th place, having experienced similar struggles. With four wins, eight draws, and four defeats in 16 league games, they’ve also failed to secure a win since October 22, enduring a winless streak of six matches.
Osasuna holds a slight advantage in their recent clashes against Rayo, having won three of their last four encounters in La Liga, including a 2-1 victory earlier this season.
Team News
Osasuna’s injury list includes Johan Mojica, Ruben Pena, and Kike Barja. However, they will welcome back Catena from suspension. Ante Budimir, their leading scorer, is expected to lead their attack.
Rayo Vallecano doesn’t have any reported injury concerns. They’ll depend on Raul de Tomas in the attack, who is yet to find the back of the net this season, along with Sergio Camello and Jorge de Frutos.
Possible Lineups
Osasuna: (4-3-3)
Herrera;
Areso, Catena, D Garcia, Cruz;
Oroz, Torro, M Gomez;
Ruben Garcia, Budimir, Avila
Rayo Vallecano: (4-2-3-1)
Dimitrievski;
Balliu, Mumin, Lejeune, Espino;
U Lopez, Valentin;
Palazon, De Frutos, A Garcia;
De Tomas
Prediction: Osasuna 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
Considering the recent form of both teams and their struggles to secure victories in La Liga, a goalless draw seems probable. It might be a tightly contested match resulting in both teams sharing the points.